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219 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 5: Financial eligibility The SSB/SSDI amount received by the individual when they became ineligible for SSI or OSIPM is used as the individual’s countable Social Security income, for the purposes of the Pickle Amendment. If the amount cannot be determined, it is calculated based on sections (3) and (4) of 461-135-0780. Note: An individual eligible under the Pickle Amendment is exempt from a service liability if receiving waivered services. If there is no multiplier amount for a particular year, it is because there was no SSA COLA in that year. Widows/widowers A widow or widower receiving Title II benefits from the Social Security Administration claim of a deceased spouse or deceased former spouse is eligible for OSIPM if the individual meets all of the following: • Is not entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A, and • Became ineligible for SSI because of a mandatory application for and receipt of widow’s or widower’s Social Security disability benefits. Note: The individual must be receiving Title II Social Security Benefits. Receiving railroad retirement benefits (RRB) is not countable as widow/widower income—it must be Social Security Benefits. Eligibility under this rule did not exist before July 1, 1988. Note: A person eligible as a widow or widower is exempt from a service liability if receiving waivered services. Click here for information on verifying assumed and protected eligibility. Eligibility for individuals with blindness or disability eligible for SSI in December 1973 Individuals are eligible for OSIPM if: • They were eligible for SSI due to blindness or disability in December 1973 and • They have continuously met the SSI eligibility criteria used in December 1973, including the criteria for blindness or disability; or • They are the essential spouse and living in the same household of a person eligible for SSI due to blindness or disability in December 1973, and • The essential spouse provides a service that otherwise would have to be provided by some other means. Individuals in an institution since 1973 For OSIPM, individuals in an institution are eligible for benefits even if their income is over 300 percent of the full SSI standard for a person living alone if: • The person has continuously met the SSI eligibility criteria used in December 1973 for people in an institution, and • The person needs institutional care as determined by preadmission screening nurses.